Fiat Ducato review: looks sharp, goes well, great value

There’s no doubt that the new Ducato is a big step up in every area – with the excellent engine and all round value topping the list

Business Vans verdict

There’s no question the new generation Fiat Ducato has real road presence with its distinctive face and LED running lights.

Of the three vans made at the Sevel factory off the same platform – Fiat Ducato, Citroen Relay and Peugeot Boxer – we think the frontal treatment of the Ducato is the most successful, better even than the Boxer.

The Ducato Tecnico we tried was very well equipped, especially for the price tag, right down to the reversing camera

It’s also a better van to drive than the Boxer. And this is down to the big differentiator – that great Multijet II engine. With its easy-going torque and quietness of operation, the 130hp engine is a real star.

Not only has the engine been made more efficient, but reduction in the weight of several components has helped improve economy to a highly respectable 44.8mpg official consumption.

And that’s not the only area that the new Ducato will help you reduce running costs.

The front bumper is a four part affair, so if one section is damaged, you only need replace the broken section; the braking system has been upgraded for improved longevity and improved pedal feel; the clutch has also been improved and beefed up; while access to the engine bay is easier thanks to the redesigned bonnet which improves service times.

But the other great pound saver is the lengthy service intervals: 30,000 miles between visits to your Fiat Professional dealer.

OK, the interior changes don’t match the ‘office on wheels’ displayed by vans such as the new Renault Trafic or Vauxhall Vivaro, and that’s before we get to the Ducato’s natural contender, the new Ford Transit.

But the Ducato’s upgrade is welcome, and the standard level of kit on the Tecnico version makes it a very good value proposition. Add in the strength of that Multijet turbodiesel engine and the new generation Ducato feels like a real panel van contender for your pounds.

What you need to know